After their first Round 1 win since 2005 the Demons looked likely to win two in a row to open the year for the first time since that year when they opened up a five goal lead during the second quarter.

The Giants had been poor in the first quarter, and if Melbourne had made the most of their chances they could have created an insurmountable lead. GWS improved in the second quarter but were wasteful with their shots on goal and went another point behind at half time despite kicking two of the last three goals of the quarter.

From the start of the third quarter the game changed significantly, with the Giants not only eclipsing Melbourne's lead but opening up a four goal lead of their own in the second quarter. They won the second half by 72 points to run away with an easy victory. It was the highest score they had ever managed in a half to that point.